SANBALLAT SOUGHT TO DO MISCHIEF.
The Bible records four times where Sanballat, Geshem and Tobia sought a meeting with Nehemiah, but only to trick him and falsely accuse him. (I can’t even tell you how many times I have fallen into this same trap). Then a fifth time they sent a disparaging letter. (Today’s scorners send scathing emails).
The enemy has no new tricks. Oh how subtle and crafty is the enemy, but we should not be ignorant of his devices. Sanballat mocked Nehemiah and the builders of the temple using ridicule, threats, discouragement and fear. Yet, “the reproaches of enemies should quicken us to our duty, not drive us from it” Matthew Henry. Nehemiah prayed with righteous anger,
“Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders.” Nehemiah 4:4-5
Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the knowledge that what one is undertaking is worth the fear. Do it afraid. Your faith in God must be bigger than your fear of man. Scorners will always mock those building the Church of the living God. Scoffers cannot help but reproach kingdom workers. Scathing emails and public humiliation and intimidation are all part of the enemy’s plan.
Betrayal and false accusations is a part of the kingdom. But we have been given great tools to be victorious over the threats and cruelties of the enemy. Ridicule is overcome by prayer and determination. Threats are overcome by prayer and the prudent security of God’s holy Word. “Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.” (v.9) Discouragement and fear are overcome by the faith of godly men and women, and faithful leaders who by their encouragement and preparation continue to resist the enemy. The scoffers and scorners mock you, but in reality are really mocking God. And He will not be mocked.
Stay focused on the task at hand- keep your eyes on the prize and your mind on your race. Shut your ears to the taunts and threats of the enemy, stay on your side of the wall, build with one hand and have your sword in the other and keep working. “Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (v. 17-20)
“So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” Nehemiah 4:6
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page